TIM MCKAY, QMI Agency

WATERLOO, ONT. - If there was any sort of home-field advantage, it wasn't apparent Thursday at the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic.

The Canadian contingent left itself with some work to do to be a factor on the weekend at Grey Silo Golf Course.

When play was suspended in the late afternoon due to lightning storms in the area, veteran Lorie Kane of Charlottetown, P.E.I., was the top Canadian in the clubhouse after an opening round of even-par 71, eight shots behind leader Sandra Changkija.

Kane birdied her final hole of the day, the par-3 ninth, to get it to level par.

"I birdied the ninth with a 5-iron in my hand," she said. "I think it was playing 150 (yards), maybe, and I hit all of the 5-iron. Dead into the wind."

Despite being the top Canuck to finish her round -- Hamilton's Alena Sharp (1-under) and Isabelle Beisiegel of Sainte Hilaire, Que. (even) were still on course when play was suspended -- Kane knows she can do better.

"Sloppy," she said in summing up her round. "I wasn't committed on a couple of shots and I think the wind can do that to you."

Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Sherbrooke, Que., said she played well but didn't get the results.

"I feel like I hit the ball really well, so the score is really way too high," said the 23-year-old, who settled for a 2-over 73. "I got a lot of bad breaks out there. I couldn't figure out the wind a few times and didn't make any putts, so it can only get better."

Barrie, Ont.'s Stephanie Sherlock is hoping for the same thing after struggling to a 4-over-par 75 to sit 12 shots off the lead.

"I have to go super low (Friday)," the 25-year-old said. "I just have to hit fairways and greens and give myself chances."

With the course expected to play softer Friday because of the rain, and with the winds dying down, the Canadians could be in tough to make up ground, though.

"I think that the only teeth this place really has is the wind," Kane said.